Craigslist purchase, new to E bikes, advice requested!

[Deanwvu]

Hello all,

I have been kicking around the idea, for years, of purchasing an ebike, either whole or in a kit. Now, with Spring upon me, the itch has surfaced yet again.

I put up a search alert on my local Craigslist, and what seemed like a decent deal popped up. It is a Crystalyte 5404 with controller, throttle, batteries, charger "everything I need to get rolling." The batteries are 4 36v Li-Ion Bosch Smallpacks.

Anyway, I was in contact with the seller, and I was about to leave to go see the goods, when I got a text. He could not get the motor to work. He had all the above in storage (I do not know where) since sometime last year and did not attempt to test the hub before posting the ad. He was good enough to try before I made the drive though!

So, I have been texting him, and he says that, when applying the throttle, the motor will not turn, instead he hears a "faint high pitched sound."

He said it may be that the batteries are not charged. He will attempt to charge the batteries over the next few hours and try again.

So, my questions for you guys:

1. Does this sound like a simple case of low batteries? (his test will prove this in a few hours, just wondering what you thought)

2. If this is a case of motor failure, what might it be?

3. If the battery charge test does not work (still fails to turn), should I attempt the purchase anyway (at a lower offer price) and attempt a repair?

I know this is not much information for you guys, but it's all I got...

I am a generally intelligent person with some mechanical and electrical knowledge, but I have no experience with any type of electric motor. All I have is basic knowledge of the physics of electric motors.

Thanks!

 

[spisska]

My first guess is that the batteries are shot. Li-ion batteries don't do well with prolonged inactivity -- generally you want to give it a charge once a month when it's not in use.

 

[teslanv]

How much is the guy asking? I would assume the battery is toast. If you have a battery to test out the controller and motor, that would be ideal.

 

[Deanwvu]

He was asking $490 for all.

Motor laced to a 26" wheel. The batteries I mentioned above, several controllers (he did not specify which), and throttle, etc. Everything I would need, it seems.

This would have been my first ebike project, so I have no materials here to test this (no batteries).

Actually, I do have these batteries in my home:

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-..._sim_hi_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1C51GSN50RQK623KX6VD

I use them for their intended use--I have some B&D cordless power tools. These are 18v nicads.

Could they be wired to test this hub? I do have connectors that would fit on the battery terminals, so I could easily connect wires to these batteries.

My other option is to buy this wheel/motor on faith that it would work just fine once I purchase a battery pack somewhere.

 

[dogman dan]

If the sale can be put off some without it going to somebody else, $30 can get you a motor controller and throttle tester.

Old batteries are worth zero.

Pics to us could help. It might be a 5404 or a 5304. Either one a very desirable motor, but not really stuff for a first timer.

I don't think you can make that motor run on those batteries. Possible but not easy.

 

[Deanwvu]

I can't wire those batteries in serial to produce 36v? Will that not work?

 

[Deanwvu]

Either one a very desirable motor, but not really stuff for a first timer.

Why is this not a good motor for a first timer?

 

[ambroseliao]

I have pix from the original seller. It is a 408 motor with pretty severe external rust. It looks as if it was left outside for a while. It isn't a 54 series at all. Caveat emptor.







Ambrose

 

[Drunkskunk]

Since there are possibly fewer than twenty five 5404s in the world, I'm skeptical of it actually being one. If it is, then that would be one hell of a deal. The only 5404s were part of a special ordered group buy a few years back. Most 540x are the 5403s used on the stealth or the custom jobs that were the majority of that group buy.

Edit: I see the pics now. A 408 was a nice motor, and lots of fun. It's also about 4 generations old now, and that one looks like it was parked out in the weather for a few years. 408 were never known for being waterproof. Simple enough to rebuild them, but not worth the time unless you're a Clyte fanboy.

As it sits, that kit might be worth $50 to someone who likes 408s.

 

[Deanwvu]

Wow,

I smell a scammer.

Thank you all, I am very glad I asked for advice here!

 

[dogman dan]

408 is more a beginners motor, or what anybody could use to commute. Likely a much smaller controller too, one that could test run on a few tool batteries.

5400 is more or less a motorcycle motor.

Used 408 and untested controller, I'd pay $100. Tested good $200 at the very most. Don't pay a dime for the batteries.

You can get a new ebay kit that's better for $250-300 btw.

Some would love a 408, just about the quietest motor ever.